PLoS One January 2025 PMID 38820280

Quantitative evidence for dimorphism suggests sexual selection in the maxillary caniniform process of Placerias hesternus.

James L Pinto, Charles R Marshall, Sterling J Nesbitt, Daniel Varajão de Latorre

Mentions

25
Peak: 24 in Jun 2024
across 2 sources since Jun 2024

Extended reach

79,723
potential audience

Total likes

737

Video views

14,685

Mentions per month

Jun 2024 – Aug 2024

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter23 posts
  • YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions reflect a strong interest in the findings, with several posts emphasizing the significance of the evidence for sexual dimorphism and potential behavioral implications, such as intraspecific competition. Phrases like 'proof of one of the oldest sexual traits' and references to childhood memories show enthusiasm and engagement, highlighting the study's perceived importance in evolution studies.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions support the idea that the study provides strong evidence for sexual dimorphism in Placerias, highlighting its significance in understanding prehistoric sexual selection.

InterestHigh interest

Participants show high curiosity about the research, especially considering its implications for understanding evolution and dinosaur behavior.

EngagementModerate engagement

Comments include references to related media and personal anecdotes, indicating a moderate level of detailed discussion.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions suggest the study is viewed as an important contribution to paleo-paleontological knowledge, though not universally transformative.

Abstract in brief

  • Placerias hesternus, a Late Triassic dicynodont, features a unique tusk-like process on its maxillary bone, which has been debated as a sexually dimorphic trait since the 1950s.
  • The study analyzed bones from a single population at Placerias Quarry in Arizona, using 25 measurements to assess whether the caniniform process is dimorphic, resulting in strong statistical evidence for two distinct morphs based on its length.
  • Findings indicate that while there is significant dimorphism in the caniniform process, other bones show no strong evidence of such traits, suggesting the caniniform acts as a secondary sexual characteristic, potentially linked to competition among males.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Jamale Ijouiher
@JamaleIjouiher · X

I admit I have a soft spot for the #dicynodont #Placerias, ever since watching #walkingwithdinosaurs as a child. Well, a new paper suggests that those impressive tusks were likely sexually dimorphic and possibly used in intraspecific competition. https://t.co/wL8PzG47mm https://t.co/4xHkYOG1lF

Jun 2, 2024 · 68 likes · 11 shares · 1,006 followers View post →
Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.
@TomHoltzPaleo · X

#PLOSONE: Quantitative evidence for dimorphism suggests sexual selection in the maxillary caniniform process ... https://t.co/JwgnnazUsf

Jun 2, 2024 · 29 likes · 8 shares · 31,841 followers View post →
UC Museum of Paleo
@ucmpberkeley · X

New study from James Pinto, Charles Marshall, Sterling Nesbitt, & Daniel Varajao de Latorre on Placerias dimorphism provides evidence for one the oldest known examples of a well supported secondary sexual trait in the fossil record. @ucmpberkeley https://t.co/KdNyvNaxBt https://t.co/DvQlFPfftV

Jun 21, 2024 · 3 likes · 2 shares · 2,902 followers View post →
RickRaptor105
@RickRaptor105 · X

RT @TomHoltzPaleo: #PLOSONE: Quantitative evidence for dimorphism suggests sexual selection in the maxillary caniniform process ... https:…

Jun 2, 2024 · 8 shares · 5,657 followers View post →
Darío Estraviz López
@DarioEstraviz · X

RT @JamaleIjouiher: I admit I have a soft spot for the #dicynodont #Placerias, ever since watching #walkingwithdinosaurs as a child. Well,…

Jun 2, 2024 · 11 shares · 2,888 followers View post →
Carlos de Miguel
@Carlosdino88 · X

RT @JamaleIjouiher: I admit I have a soft spot for the #dicynodont #Placerias, ever since watching #walkingwithdinosaurs as a child. Well,…

Jun 3, 2024 · 11 shares · 2,867 followers View post →

All mentions

Dinoapp
@thedinoapp · X

RT @ucmpberkeley: New study from James Pinto, Charles Marshall, Sterling Nesbitt, & Daniel Varajao de Latorre on Placerias dimorphism provi…

Jun 23, 2024 · 2 shares · 759 followers View post →
UC Museum of Paleo
@ucmpberkeley · X

New study from James Pinto, Charles Marshall, Sterling Nesbitt, & Daniel Varajao de Latorre on Placerias dimorphism provides evidence for one the oldest known examples of a well supported secondary sexual trait in the fossil record. @ucmpberkeley https://t.co/KdNyvNaxBt https://t.co/DvQlFPfftV

Jun 21, 2024 · 3 likes · 2 shares · 2,902 followers View post →
Redek_Paleart
@PaleotitanZ · X

RT @JamaleIjouiher: I admit I have a soft spot for the #dicynodont #Placerias, ever since watching #walkingwithdinosaurs as a child. Well,…

Jun 4, 2024 · 11 shares · 249 followers View post →
Carlos de Miguel
@Carlosdino88 · X

RT @JamaleIjouiher: I admit I have a soft spot for the #dicynodont #Placerias, ever since watching #walkingwithdinosaurs as a child. Well,…

Jun 3, 2024 · 11 shares · 2,867 followers View post →
Paleo Curiosities
@21Fede_ · X

RT @JamaleIjouiher: I admit I have a soft spot for the #dicynodont #Placerias, ever since watching #walkingwithdinosaurs as a child. Well,…

Jun 3, 2024 · 11 shares · 2,302 followers View post →
Naoto HANDA
@Nao_hnd · X

RT @JamaleIjouiher: I admit I have a soft spot for the #dicynodont #Placerias, ever since watching #walkingwithdinosaurs as a child. Well,…

Jun 3, 2024 · 11 shares · 1,376 followers View post →
Sérgio Lages
@thehellckan · X

RT @JamaleIjouiher: I admit I have a soft spot for the #dicynodont #Placerias, ever since watching #walkingwithdinosaurs as a child. Well,…

Jun 3, 2024 · 11 shares · 171 followers View post →
Jhett
@jhettgreene · X

RT @JamaleIjouiher: I admit I have a soft spot for the #dicynodont #Placerias, ever since watching #walkingwithdinosaurs as a child. Well,…

Jun 2, 2024 · 11 shares · 498 followers View post →
Richard_Carr
@EmuLarge · X

RT @JamaleIjouiher: I admit I have a soft spot for the #dicynodont #Placerias, ever since watching #walkingwithdinosaurs as a child. Well,…

Jun 2, 2024 · 11 shares · 1,850 followers View post →
Glave (glavenychus.bsky.social)
@glavenych · X

RT @JamaleIjouiher: I admit I have a soft spot for the #dicynodont #Placerias, ever since watching #walkingwithdinosaurs as a child. Well,…

Jun 2, 2024 · 11 shares · 1,599 followers View post →
Juned Zariwala
@PaleoJZ · X

RT @JamaleIjouiher: I admit I have a soft spot for the #dicynodont #Placerias, ever since watching #walkingwithdinosaurs as a child. Well,…

Jun 2, 2024 · 11 shares · 869 followers View post →
Fang ( Commissions Open)
@Fang83768513 · X

RT @TomHoltzPaleo: #PLOSONE: Quantitative evidence for dimorphism suggests sexual selection in the maxillary caniniform process ... https:…

Jun 2, 2024 · 8 shares · 1,554 followers View post →
/ɹɑb/
@RobertBorland7 · X

RT @TomHoltzPaleo: #PLOSONE: Quantitative evidence for dimorphism suggests sexual selection in the maxillary caniniform process ... https:…

Jun 2, 2024 · 8 shares · 955 followers View post →
akadonko
@akadonk0 · X

RT @TomHoltzPaleo: #PLOSONE: Quantitative evidence for dimorphism suggests sexual selection in the maxillary caniniform process ... https:…

Jun 2, 2024 · 8 shares · 3 followers View post →
Naoto HANDA
@Nao_hnd · X

RT @TomHoltzPaleo: #PLOSONE: Quantitative evidence for dimorphism suggests sexual selection in the maxillary caniniform process ... https:…

Jun 2, 2024 · 8 shares · 1,376 followers View post →
Lox
@Lox98324886 · X

RT @TomHoltzPaleo: #PLOSONE: Quantitative evidence for dimorphism suggests sexual selection in the maxillary caniniform process ... https:…

Jun 2, 2024 · 8 shares · 36 followers View post →
Marcos K. Pinheiro / "Marcos Wyvern" (Marcosaurus)
@BongMarcosaurus · X

RT @TomHoltzPaleo: #PLOSONE: Quantitative evidence for dimorphism suggests sexual selection in the maxillary caniniform process ... https:…

Jun 2, 2024 · 8 shares · 1,007 followers View post →
Richard_Carr
@EmuLarge · X

RT @TomHoltzPaleo: #PLOSONE: Quantitative evidence for dimorphism suggests sexual selection in the maxillary caniniform process ... https:…

Jun 2, 2024 · 8 shares · 1,850 followers View post →
Darío Estraviz López
@DarioEstraviz · X

RT @JamaleIjouiher: I admit I have a soft spot for the #dicynodont #Placerias, ever since watching #walkingwithdinosaurs as a child. Well,…

Jun 2, 2024 · 11 shares · 2,888 followers View post →
RickRaptor105
@RickRaptor105 · X

RT @TomHoltzPaleo: #PLOSONE: Quantitative evidence for dimorphism suggests sexual selection in the maxillary caniniform process ... https:…

Jun 2, 2024 · 8 shares · 5,657 followers View post →
Marcos K. Pinheiro / "Marcos Wyvern" (Marcosaurus)
@BongMarcosaurus · X

RT @JamaleIjouiher: I admit I have a soft spot for the #dicynodont #Placerias, ever since watching #walkingwithdinosaurs as a child. Well,…

Jun 2, 2024 · 11 shares · 1,007 followers View post →
Jamale Ijouiher
@JamaleIjouiher · X

I admit I have a soft spot for the #dicynodont #Placerias, ever since watching #walkingwithdinosaurs as a child. Well, a new paper suggests that those impressive tusks were likely sexually dimorphic and possibly used in intraspecific competition. https://t.co/wL8PzG47mm https://t.co/4xHkYOG1lF

Jun 2, 2024 · 68 likes · 11 shares · 1,006 followers View post →
Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.
@TomHoltzPaleo · X

#PLOSONE: Quantitative evidence for dimorphism suggests sexual selection in the maxillary caniniform process ... https://t.co/JwgnnazUsf

Jun 2, 2024 · 29 likes · 8 shares · 31,841 followers View post →